This research, conducted at a midsize university, focused on the virtue of tolerance as it relates to an often-neglected area of diversity--"diversity of conscience"--defined as 'legitimate differences of moral and religious conscience'. Tolerance is essential for fostering civility in our increasingly diverse societies and for promoting…

This article argues that C.S. Lewis is a highly relevant but largely neglected character educator for 21st century schools characterized by diversity. We make the case for the objective reality of Lewis's Tao, the moral law recognized in the moral precepts of a wide range of cultures and traditions. We show why these universal precepts are…

A defence of Piaget's theory of moral development against misunderstandings of his overemphasis on genetic maturation, underemphasis on role of intelligence, and imposition of a "universal order. (MH)

Author describes his first encounters with psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg and explains how Kohlberg's approach has been blended with other approaches in the development of the author's work on the moral education of children. (Author)

Alfie Kohn's critique of character education in the February 1997 "Kappan" is constructive but not complex enough to provide guidance for the field. Except for briefly describing the Child Development Project, Kohn omits books and articles advocating a comprehensive approach to character education and does not fairly represent some…

When criticizing the author's character-education article in the November 1993 "Educational Leadership," William Bennetta fails to acknowledge that nondirective sex education has failed. Abstinence is not the Religious Right's invention, but is the only medically safe, morally responsible choice for unmarried teenagers. The Teen-Aid and…

Spurred by an impending morality crisis, moral education is making a comeback. Gallup polls indicate that over 80 percent of parents want public schools to teach moral values. This article shows how to promote respect and responsibility as the fourth and fifth "R's." Insets list values and character development objectives. (MLH)

Sewall argues that Alan Singer's denial of religion signifies a crabbed, intolerant view of human nature. Wright reaffirms his observations about universal values like the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments. Lickona values religion's role in U.S. history, and Nord says religious viewpoints aid in understanding nature. (MLH)

In today's moral environment, teaching the young high moral standards requires cooperation between schools and families. This article describes four successful approaches: developing a school-community consensus about values, forming parent support groups, creating multifaceted parent participation opportunities, and writing parallel curricula for…

Discusses seven issues related to character education: the relationship between character and virtue; the nature of character education; the goals of character education; the psychological components of character; the content of character; the components of a comprehensive approach to character education; and how schools of education can prepare…

Discusses three goals of character development for elementary school children: promoting (1) cooperative relationships and mutual respect; (2) moral agency; and (3) a moral community based on fairness, caring, and participation. Explores teaching strategies for building self-esteem and fostering cooperation, moral reflection, and participative…

Character educators can recognize religion's contribution to our culture while honoring the First Amendment. Schools can help students understand religion's role in our nation's beginnings, major social-reform movements, and individuals' motivation; construct special curricula; and encourage students to tap inner resources to address social issues…

Using a developmental, learning-by-doing approach, teacher education must take deliberate steps to help teachers acquire the skills and understanding they need to foster the moral growth of students at all levels. (Author/MSE)

Provides a point/counterpoint investigation into appropriateness of character education as a function of public schools. Lickona describes the implementation and success of various character education curricula across the country, while Skillen suggests that public schools may not be sufficiently pluralistic in their approach to support such…

Working together, schools and families can provide a character-based approach to sexuality education. Schools can give parents a wake-up call, provide historical perspective, share good news, encourage parents to talk with kids, help discuss dangers, identify rewards of waiting, give guidelines, and support chaste lifestyles. (Contains 21…